max-seitz-1990
Jubei Ninpucho is cleverly structured and although it is not an inherently complex narrative, it features a very clever approach for presenting vital background information. Together with the mostly great animation, this makes for a thrilling viewing for anime fans and fans of (Japanese) action movies. There are some minor drawbacks, like characters that could be more fleshed out and the uneven animation quality - however, the movie succeeds in telling the story it wants to tell and uses very creative visual effects for telling a mature story.Overall 7/10
Full review on movie-discourse.blogspot.de
kengipowell
Fans of this film often declare Ninja Scroll to be one of the best anime films of all time. Do not listen to them. Ninja Scroll is average at best. The characters are one dimensional and so is the plot. Nothing is ever really given context. Even what many acclaim to be fantastic fight scenes and animation are at best a B-. And a B- in animation is not enough to save this film from everything it does wrong. If you want fantastically animated fight scenes, watch Sword of the Stranger. A lot of anime films are weird. The great ones use the weird in a way that drives the plot or adds another dimension to the story/characters. This is not Ninja Scroll. Ninja Scroll is one of those films that is weird for the sake of being weird and nothing else. It doesn't ever apply any context for its weirdness.All in all, if you've no other anime films to watch go ahead and watch it. If you set your expectations low enough and look past its faults you can find an enjoyable film.It has a similar feel to it as the Rurouni Kenshin TV Series.
predator_silver77
The Plot: Jubei is a master less ninja who travels the land alone, hiring his services to those with gold...or a worthy cause. His fearsome abilities have served him well, but a hideous plot to overthrow the government threatens to end his wandering ways and possibly his life. When a small village succumbs to a terrible plague, a team of ninjas are sent to investigate and realize that all is not as it seems. Ambushed, they are wiped out by a fearsome man-monster with incredible powers., leaving only one alive - Kagero, a beautiful female ninja whose touch can bring instant death. Jubei saves her from a fate worse than death and unwittingly becomes drawn into a web of treachery. He is soon faced with his greatest challenge, an enemy for whom death holds no fear with the power to destroy Jubei's world. It's an all-out bloodbath when ninja warriors come face to face in this action-packed tribal war. Ninja Scroll features a wicked cast of characters, extraordinary fight scenes and stunning animation from Yoshiaki Kawajiri and Madhouse Studios! My Spiel: Ninja Scroll is a feast of animation perfection. This is a blast to watch every time, from the sweet fight scenes and the sweet visual's this film has to offer. If you are looking for a Samurai/Ninja Anime search no further at only 94 minutes this is full of Adventure from start to finish. I can't say enough of how this movie blew me away after watching it in sync with Wicked City by the same Director. Granted this movie has a partial sexual content just so you know. But but don't let that discourage you, this anime does more then makes up for that with its fights against fantastically gifted enemies and visual aspects and fantastic ideas. Ninja Scroll with it's sweet top of the line animation is truly a joy to watch every time. Easily one of my top 10 favorite animes of all time.Ninja Scroll (1993) Review: 9/10
singular_critic
This film has resonated with me since the first time I caught it on late night television all those years ago. The characters are all wonderfully drawn out. The beautifully shot scenes of ninja battles and landscapes giving us an idea of feudal Japan. The dialogue, which you initially think is too simple and silly, becomes richer and more hilarious the more you watch and listen.I haven't seen a lot of manga but I believe this film is a perfect introduction for a Western viewer in broaching the genre. It has certainly piqued my curiosity about Japanese anime although I can't see myself enjoying any other anime film more than I enjoyed this one.If you haven't seen this movie, go out and get it, but be warned, it isn't for the faint of heart!
AD
